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MODERN ROSICRUCIAN SOCIETIES. 411
prophetess ; a Peronella, the wife of Flammel ; and, lastly,
a Leona Constantia, Abbess of Clermont, who was actually
received as a practical member and master into our Society
in the year 1736; which women are believed to have been
all possessors of the Great Work, consequently Sorores Roseau
Crucis, and members of our Society by possession, as the
possession of this our Art is the key
knowledge ; and, moreover, as redemption
to the most hidden
was manifested
to mankind by means of a woman (the Blessed Virgin), and
as Salvation, which is of infinitely more value than our
whole Art, is granted to the female sex as well as to the
male, our Society does not exclude a worthy woman from
being initiated, God himself not having excluded women
from partaking of every felicity in the next life. We will
not hesitate to receive a worthy woman into our Society as
a member apprentice (and even as a practical member, or
master, if she does possess our work practically,
and has
herself accomplished it), provided she is found, like Pero-
nella, Flammel' s wife, to be sober, pious, discreet, prudent,
and reserved, of an upright and blameless conduct, and
desirous of knowledge.
5. I do hereby declare that I intend, with the permission
of God, to commence our great work with mine own hands
as soon as circumstances, health, opportunity, and time will
permit; 1st, that I may do good
therewith as a faithful
steward ; 2nd, that I may merit the continued confidence
which the Society has placed in me in quality of a member
apprentice.
6. I do further most solemnly promise that (should I
accomplish the Great Work) I will not abuse the great
power entrusted to me by appearing great and exalted, or
seeking to appear in a public character in the world by